After spending many years as a church musician, Pastor Payton attended Concordia Theological Seminary and entered the ministry. Pastor Payton has been happily married to Lori, his childhood sweetheart, since 1979, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Pastor Payton likes to garden and to share that passion with the St. John neighborhood in our community garden.

Email: lrpayton@stjohnforestpark.org 

Paul Lindblad received his undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Church Music from Concordia University, Chicago, in River Forest, Illinois. Mr. Lindblad earned a Kodály Certificate from Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has studied with world famous choral conductor, Paul Christiansen; and International Kodály music education specialist Katinka Daniel. Mr. Lindblad has completed extensive studies in organ performance, vocal technique, and conducting under the mentorships of Victor Hildner and Douglas Neslund. Mr. Lindblad currently conducts the Oak Park Concert Chorale and St. John Choristers (previously Paul Lindblad Choristers). He is the Director of Liturgics at St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park and is the former Choirmaster at St. Gregory Episcopal Boychoir School in Chicago.

Email: Plindbladc@comcast.net